November 5, 1927 – September 14, 2025
Clifford “Pokey” Pickett, 97, Sheridan, passed away peacefully at his home in Sheridan, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday morning, September 14, 2025. Born November 5, 1927, in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Howard “Hap” and Pearl T. (Thompson) Pickett.
Pokey was a 1946 graduate of Sheridan High School. Following high school, he proudly served his country as a soldier in the United States Army.
Following his time in the military, he went to work with his uncle moving houses; he quickly realized that was not the career path that he wanted to follow. He later went on to own and operate the family business, Pickett Oil Company and Pickett’s Point Service Station. During his 40-year career in the business, Pokey saw a little of everything, but one of his favorite parts was always the customers. He loved providing a valuable service in the town that he called home. One of the best-known services that the station provided, although he was never able to capitalize on it, was being a local landmark. For as long as anyone can remember, those who live in and around the Sheridan area have used Pickett’s Point as a directional reference. Even today “the point” is still being used when giving directions. That certainly qualifies the family business as both a legacy, and a landmark, for the community.
Pokey was always civic-minded. Throughout his lifetime, he found many, many ways to give something back to the community he loved. He was a Boy Scout leader in the community for several years and served as Sheridan Town Council President for four years. One of the lesser-known ways he helped care for the community was through his 40-year term as a board member with Crown View Cemetery.
Pokey was a member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees for a number of years. He was also a past member of the Sheridan Rotary Club, past member of the Scottish Rite in Indianapolis, and a 50-year member, and Past Master, of the Fidelity Lodge F&AM 309 in Sheridan.
Pokey had many hobbies. He loved working with wood, both building and carving, and was also very fond of working with stained glass. However, it was his broom making skills that were known by many. He made brooms the old-fashioned way, on an antique broom making machine. For many years, he regularly stopped by the Sheridan Historical Society to make brooms in this unique way. Sometimes people would visit specifically to watch him work; at other times they would happen across a broom-making session. No matter the circumstances, they left glad for having visited with Pokey, and of course, watching him make a broom. Later in life he enjoyed spending summer nights sitting on his front porch, watching the Sheridan Horseshoe League pitch at the park. He had the best seat in the house and never had to leave the property.
Pokey is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Dortha Phyllis (Myers) Pickett, whom everybody knows as Dort. Pokey and Dort were married on June 26, 1949. In addition to being life partners, she was also an integral part of the family business. But more than that, she was a true companion in every way. During the ‘80s and ‘90s they served on many mission trips to Alaska, Texas, New Mexico, and Kentucky. Also surviving are son, David J. Pickett (Meg) of Sheridan; two daughters, Melanie Bales (Lee Bayer) of Westfield, and Michelle Jones (Stan) of Tipton; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack Pickett of Noblesville and Phil Pickett of Carmel; and his canine partner in crime, Cocoa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard “Hap” and Pearl T. (Thompson) Pickett; son, Bruce Wayne Pickett; and two brothers, William Pickett and his wife Elanor, and Kenneth Pickett and his wife Donna.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service, with Masonic Services being conducted at 1:30 p.m.
Burial with Military Honors will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor John Meunier will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan, IN 46069.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com